This week

• I started some new origami projects, just for fun.
• I ate like a pig!  Way too much cake, chocolate and chipsticks.  Now I feel bleugh.
• I have a new favourite TV programme (this).  I'm obsessed.
• I got some fun stuff through the post.  Hello new alphabet stamp collection!
• I dyed my hair some more, and I'm not sure if I like it yet.
• I tried a new recipe and it was a resounding success (thanks Jamie Oliver).

What have you been up to this week?  I'm looking forward to a weekend at home and seeing family.  Last weekend we visited Manchester to see friends, and it's been hard getting back into the swing of things... I've just felt so tired!  It's lame how long it takes me to get over a good weekend nowadays - is this a sign I'm getting old?  Don't answer that.  So tomorrow I'm going to do sensible things like cook and clean and take pictures.  Then I'm going to a wedding reception where I'll try not to get too tipsy and reserve my energy for the family dinner we have on Sunday.  Wish me luck (or should I say willpower)!

Little things

Just a few of the little things brightening my day.

29 Before 30

So every year for the last few years I've made myself a list of things to accomplish before my next birthday (see here and here).  It's nearly a month since my birthday, so I thought I best get round to posting this year's list - oops.

1. Improve my social networking - something I really need to work on.
2. Use up most of my yarn - I have way too much and need to stop buying!
3. Stay hydrated - I don't drink enough water and want to change this.
4. Paint my nails - again, I have so much nail varnish, and hardly use it.
5. Learn to do the splits - I want to improve my flexibility.
6. Make an 8mm - gonna try and have fun with my i-phone app.
7. See live music - because it's awesome.
8. Go for long walks - one of the advantages of living near the Peak District are the amazing walks on your doorstep.
9. Book a wedding venue - top priority!
10. Modular origami - I want to step it up a gear.
11. Experiment with bleach - in a crafty sense.
12. Get a dentist - this needs to happen.
13. Send snail mail - I always love receiving it, and sending it can be so much fun too.
14. Make fabric labels for logii - to give my crocheted creations more of an identity.
15. Finish a paint by numbers - I have a few of these that are sadly unfinished.
16. Save save save!! - this will be another big priority this year.
17. Take better care of my skin - I want to get into a routine.
18. Use my camera apps - a goal I set for myself before Xmas that I want to continue.
19. Make a souffle - always wanted to have a go at one of these.
20. Swim - it just so good for you.
21. Support local/independent businesses - I'm a big believer in small business.
22. Enjoy the simple things - getting back to basics.
23. Make some art - I want to explore my creative side (hmmm).
24. Wear lipstick - like the nail varnish thing, I have loads but never wear it.
25. Flower pressing - something new to try.
26. Build a terranium - because they're pretty.
27. Aromatherapy - something I'm starting to get into, thanks to my Auntie.
28. Bake more - why not?
29. Meditate - the small amounts I've tried have really benefited me.  Time to try it properly.

So another year, another list.  I'll try my best to keep you updated here on my progress.  These lists have really made a difference to my life.  I'm sure there are so many things I wouldn't have bothered trying if they weren't there written down and taped to my cupboard.  I recommend giving it a go!
If you've a list of your own, please share it in the comments - I'd love to see what your annual goals are.

Spring Special Offer

Hello folks, I've come here today to let you know about a special offer in the shop.  For the whole of March 2013 customers that spends £25 or more at logii will receive a free washi tape set (worth £5.50).

Happy shopping!

Tuesday's Tune: Bonobo

Happy Tuesday people. Enjoy the video - it's pretty cool.

DIY: crocheted beanie hat

I mentioned in this post that I was going to share the pattern for this easy crocheted hat, so here goes...

You will need

5mm crochet hook

Approx. 80g King Cole Moorland Aran

A tapestry needle to thread in the ends

Pattern

You begin the hat with a series of chain stitches.  I found it useful to measure a row of chains from the centre of the top of your head (where the top of the hat would be) to where you want it to end.  For the first hat I did about 40 chain stitches, and for the second hat *pictured below* I did about 50 chain stitches.

Leaving a long tail, ch between 40-50 stitches (depending on your preference).

Row 1: Once you have your row of chain stitches, Hdc in the back loop of the second ch from the hook.

Row 2-46: Continue to Hdc across the row in the back loop only.  Once you reach the end, *ch 1, turn the work and continue with Hdc in the back loop until you reach the end of the next row - repeat from * 45 times.

To finish: Join the beginning and end rows by matching the last Hdc with the first ch st and linking with a series of slip stitches to form a tube, fasten off and weave in the end.  Then using the tapestry needle, thread the long tail through the top of the tube with a running stitch, gathering the fabric as you go.  Weave through the top of the hat a number of times to make sure it's fastened well and won't come loose.

This is the first crochet pattern I've shared, so please let me know if you spot any mistakes or recommend any improvements.  I hope you have fun making this hat.  Please leave a link below if you decide to give it a try!

Currently Reading

One for fun and two for learning.  It's slow progress, but I'm enjoying all three.  I absolutely love reading, but am finding it's something I have less and less time for nowadays - maybe I'm just not making enough time?

Do you have any good book recommendations?